The Most Important Manchester Derby Of All Time

With the score at 4-2 after 83 minutes, chants such as ‘Fergie give us a wave’ were ringing around Old Trafford and banners with Champ20ns were being held up by various confident Manchester United fans. How football can change in seven minutes.

In seven days the biggest derby in Manchester’s history will be upon us, a match with so much riding on it. United go to the Etihad three points clear of neighbours City but with a 6 goal difference in City’s favour, meaning a City win will send them top for the first time since March 11th. United’s failure to hold a two goal advantage in seven minutes will certainly worry fans especially after City’s demolition of the Reds in October at Old Trafford. With Tevez and Aguero’s blossoming partnership continuing, City fans will be expecting goals on Monday as the title initiative has been well and truly handed over to United’s local rivals.

Roberto Mancini however has kept downbeat on City’s title hopes, constantly stating it is United’s to lose and are odds on favourites to retain their 20th crown. Deep down he must be thinking his City team have an excellent chance of pipping United to the post as technically it is in their own hands now. On the other hand, if any team and any manager can handle the increasing pressure it is United and Sir Alex, they’ve been here season in, season out and City haven’t.

This week will be one big build up to Monday night’s atomic derby. After City’s defeat to Arsenal on April 8th Manchester United were 1-100 to win the league, they are now 1-2. The world of football will have eyes on the Etihad and whoever comes out on top will surely be deemed favourites for the Premier League title. Its a ‘must win’ situation for City and a ‘must not lose’ situation for United. In some minds, this might not only be the most important Manchester derby of all time, but the most important and intruiging Premier League encounter of all time.